Iyengar Yoga teachers
All Certified Iyengar Yoga teachers are highly trained and held to rigorous standards. After studying regularly with a Certified Teacher for at least two consecutive years, prospective teachers undertake a three-year training program followed by an assessment and a certification exam.
Once certified, teachers may use the Certification Mark, the internationally recognized symbol for Iyengar Yoga teachers who are teaching and preserving the practice according to BKS Iyengar’s instructions. Iyengar Yoga teachers must also maintain their own practice in order to keep their certification.
Teacher education includes the study of anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, philosophy, and practical methods of instruction. Certified Iyengar Yoga teachers must show proficiency in performance of the asanas, or postures, and take a written exam on philosophy, anatomy, and the practical knowledge of teaching. In the third and most important part of the test, the candidate is observed and assessed by a panel of senior teachers while teaching a class. The process of teacher training and evaluation is repeated with higher standards and different material at intermediate, senior, and advanced levels of certification, preparing teachers to teach at increasing levels of competency.